MISSISSIPPI COUNTY STEEL INDUSTRY
Original story in the Arkansas Business Land of Steel Growth Report: https://digital.abpg.com/land-of-steel-growth-report_2024/page/6-7
Mississippi County, once primarily defined by its agricultural roots, has transformed into one of the most important steel production hubs in the U.S. Anchored by major players like Nucor, Big River Steel and new entrants such as Hybar, the region’s steel industry has reshaped the local economy, providing thousands of jobs and attracting billions in capital investment.
As the industry continues to expand, the future holds even greater promise, thanks to cutting-edge technologies and increasing global demand for American-made steel.
Nucor Corp.’s arrival in the late 1980s marked the beginning of the county’s rise as a steel powerhouse. The company established its first mill in Blytheville in 1988, utilizing electric arc furnace technology that revolutionized steel production by using scrap metal instead of traditional iron ore. This innovation not only reduced costs but also positioned the company as a leader in sustainable steel production.
Over the years, Nucor has expanded its operations in the region, adding multiple facilities and becoming Mississippi County’s largest employer. Today, Nucor’s facilities in Blytheville and nearby Hickman produce millions of tons of steel annually, serving industries from automotive manufacturing to construction.
Clif Chitwood, president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, credits Nucor’s early investment for catalyzing the region’s transformation.
“When Nucor came to Mississippi County, it was a game-changer,” said Chitwood. “They brought not only jobs but also a new way of thinking about industrial development. Their success proved that we could compete on a global scale, setting the stage for everything that’s come since.”
In 2014, Big River Steel (BRS), led then by late founder John Correnti, broke ground on a $1.3 billion mill near Osceola. The state-of-the-art facility began operations in 2016 and was the first in the world to integrate artificial intelligence into its production processes, allowing it to produce high-strength, lightweight steel ideal for the automotive and energy industries.
Now owned by U.S. Steel, BRS is on the verge of opening its highly anticipated second mill, BRS2, in the fourth quarter of 2024. The expansion is expected to double the facility’s production capacity, adding hundreds of new jobs and further solidifying Mississippi County’s position as the largest steel-producing county in the U.S., a remarkable achievement for a region once dependent on agriculture.
Dave Stickler, founder and president of Hybar, which recently announced its own steel rebar production facility in Mississippi County, emphasized the region’s appeal to steel manufacturers. Stickler noted the county’s unique combination of natural resources, access to transportation routes and highly-skilled workforce make it a perfect place for companies to invest and grow.
Additionally, Stickler, who was also instrumental in launching BRS, pointed out that Hybar’s focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with Mississippi County’s ongoing industrial evolution.
“Over the next 20 years, northeast Arkansas will be the home of the finest steelmaking assets in North America,” Stickler told Arkansas Business in April. “These are some of the most environmentally sustainable, most labor efficient, most automated steel mills in the world. And once you build a mill, it lasts for 40 years.”
The steel industry’s expansion has brought significant economic benefits to Mississippi County.
Over the past three decades, the sector has attracted more than $8 billion in capital investment, creating thousands of jobs and transforming the local economy.
Patrick Schueck, president and CEO of Lexicon Inc., a steel construction and fabrication company that has worked on major projects in the county, including BRS, noted the far-reaching impact of the industry’s growth. He pointed out that steel mills not only create jobs for their own plants but support additional growth of suppliers, contractors and service providers in the ecosystem.
“I expect great things … that will come in the long term,” Schueck said in an April interview with Arkansas Business. “I believe you’re going to see a lot of ancillary businesses come in that neck of the woods.”
BRS2 and the arrival of Hybar, along with advancements made by historically strong companies like Nucor, are expanding production capacity and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of sustainability and technological innovation.
Local leaders are optimistic about what lies ahead in the industry.
“We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible here,” said Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson. “The investments we’re seeing are positioning us for long-term success, and we’re already planning for further growth in the years to come.”